Hi, my name is Ian Hassevoort! I’m a freshman at Covenant College and have also had the privilege of being a Maclellan scholar. Covenant has been an amazing environment for education, community and growth, and the Maclellan scholarship has already provided me with so many incredible opportunities. Some examples include getting a class with former NFL head coach Frank Reich and panel discussions with former Walmart CEO Mike Duke and theologian Dr. Zach Eswine. But the greatest opportunity provided by the scholarship is the chance to travel with the other 11 freshman Mac scholars to Türkiye in May 2025.

I am beyond excited for this opportunity to both live out and strengthen my faith in Christ by experiencing what Christianity looks like in another country, especially a Muslim country. I am very grateful for what God will provide through you.

These videos for prayer give a taste of the culture and people there.

https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/turkey/

https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/istanbul/

Türkiye is a place where East meets West, and ancient cultures and traditions intersect with modern ideas and technology. I look forward to learning more about the history of this place where so much of the book of Acts and other stories of Scripture unfolded, ancient church councils were held and Christianity first became the religion of an empire. We will also have opportunities to explore this culturally rich land where Christ's church continues to grow in a variety of different expressions.

Our group will seek to understand where God is at work in this country where more than 99% of the population identify as Muslim. We'll meet with believers who are serving in creative ways. We'll also look for opportunities to serve and be channels of God’s truth and love throughout our travels.

What are the purposes of our trip?

Celebration: We are thankful for all that we've learned in this first year of our studies at Covenant and look forward to applying some of that knowledge as we explore another part of God's world with our cohort. We hope to taste and see more of His goodness as we spend time as a community in this significant setting

Information: We'll have opportunities to learn about the cultural/spiritual context in largely-Muslim Türkiye as we meet with Christian and Muslim leaders there. So much of early church history took place in what is now Türkiye and we hope to grow in our understanding of our heritage as we learn more about its people and places.

Exaltation: We'll have opportunities to worship with our Turkish brothers and sisters using indigenous songs and liturgies that have been developed in their context.

Incarnation: We'll have opportunities to spend time with local people, seeking natural opportunities to encourage believers and share the gospel in word and deed.

Exploration: We'll meet with local leaders to explore ways that individuals and congregations can partner in gospel work in that setting.

Transformation: We'll be praying that the Lord will use the experiences and interactions on this trip to grow each of us in the grace and knowledge of Christ and further equip us to serve Him now and in the future.

In all of this, we are hopeful to get a glimpse of the Lord’s heart and vision for Türkiye!